Gearing help

what is strange is that I have a buddy running the same setup, same system in his buggy, we run on the same track, but he is geared 45/15, and I am geared 48/17. He does not run the fan and his temps after a 15min main are ESC160F Motor 145F. If I don't run the fan, my temps for the main were ESC 201F, Motor 198F. He also drives harder than I do. Something has to be wrong. Is my gearing that much different? He is running identical hotwire settings as well.

I have tried 15/48, 16/48, as well as 17/48, and temps were virtually identical to what I am getting now at 17/48.

What gearing should I try next? at 15/48 the buggy was about the same as nitros speed wise (too slow), but ESC dropped to 185F after 15 mins, motor stayed the same as when running 17/48.

I am running the proper mesh, there is no binding, and my buggy is only slightly heavier than my buddies.

PLEASE HELP! I am regretting the switch to tekin!